BASINGSTOKE and Deane Borough Council has appointed one of its senior councillors to join the Basingstoke Together Business Improvement District (BID) board of directors.

Cllr Rebecca Bean (Conservative, Hatch Warren and Beggarwood), cabinet member for borough development and improvement, was recommended for the role at a meeting on Tuesday, November 11.

Accepting the position, Cllr Bean said: “I am more than happy with the appointment. BID have played a key role and will continue to do so as we come out the back of the covid crisis.”

The cabinet agreed to the recommended appointment, and also the appointment of the council’s economy and culture manager, Daniel Garnier, as the “support officer”.

Basingstoke Together is the town’s business-led and business-funded body, formed to improve the town centre and act as a voice for businesses in the area.

Speaking about the appointment of Cllr Bean to its board, council leader Cllr Ken Rhatigan said: “At this time of the covid crisis that we have within our business community, this role is vital in my belief, to give assurance that we as the council support and stand behind our businesses, and wish in every way to help them develop as they come out of this covid pandemic.

“And to give them the assurance that we will stand ready for any eventuality should there be a further lockdown or other restrictions that may come into place in the months to come.

“I look forward to the interaction with the BID through Rebecca and our officer too.”